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Torturing myself again wasn't necessary. I already knew what the rest was going to say so I didn't bother to continue reading. My heart felt like it dropped into my stomach. Getting out of the monster world was a dream I was going to have to kiss goodbye. Well, if I couldn’t be there, then I'd have to keep bringing the human world here. I sat up in my bean bag, glancing up at the glow-in-the-dark star stickers I'd scattered all over my ceiling. I didn’t remember what I’d traded those for. Probably for some serenading flowers. I'd never run out of things humans wanted, that's for sure.
Like me, they were fascinated by new things. What we didn't have in common, was that I wanted to be there to see them for myself, but most humans were scared to even glance through the portals. It was one of the many reasons they'd stopped talking to me on the Monster Match app. I'd traveled hours to the base to use the library computers only to be blocked or be told they weren't interested. There were hotels on base we could’ve met at. They wouldn’t have had to step too far past the wall.
Static filled the large room of the cabin, and I looked toward the desk next to my bed. The solar panels my master had set up were how I was able to get electricity. I didn't turn my lights on too often at night because I didn't want to draw attention. There was no moon here. No stars. Nothing to light up the night sky. Daylight also lasted longer, and no one knew where it came from, but we didn't have clouds. Just brightness. Sometimes wehad warm or cool days and nights. It all depended on where you were. Here, it stayed pretty consistent, with mostly warm temperatures.
More static filtered through the two-way radio, followed by a voice. “Are you there?”
Jumping from my seat, I wobbled on my legs a little before gaining my balance. I rushed toward the desk as Henry, a monster acquaintance who lived in base housing, spoke again. “I have a business request for you if you're interested.”
Looking around my cabin, with its shelves full of books and movies, I couldn't think at the moment what I needed. Maybe it wasn't necessary to know right away.
“The person interested is coming tomorrow.”
Tomorrow. That wasn't much time at all. Scurrying around my living room, I searched for the notebook with my list. Once found, I settled in front of my desk and flipped through the pages, stopping when I saw romantic experiences with other humans. No. Asking that of a stranger was ridiculous. But did I have a choice? I had no bites on the dating site, and I was growing impatient. There were other things I wanted that I couldn't get in the monster world aside from food and stuff.
No. I wasn't that desperate . . . yet. Other opportunities would come up.I'll know when it's right. I'll feel it.
Sinking my teeth into my lower lip, I picked up the walkie-talkie and pushed the button. “I'm here. What's up?” The English language was challenging at first, since my master hadn’t allowed me to speak much, but I caught on fast after watching others do it in movies and shows. The more I used it, the better I got. If only I had someone to use it with other than myself. Sometimes I spoke to the sky and trees. To Ollie. He looked at me like I was nuts half the time.
There were so many other languages, accents, and lingos out there too. It was overwhelming at first but at least it was mychoice to talk however I chose. To breathe as loud as I wanted. Eat whenever I was hungry. And leave the house as I pleased. I did what I wanted to and when I wanted. Life was supposed to have been perfect after no longer being a prisoner. It was far from it.
“There you are. Busy watching a movie or shoving your face in a book?” Henry's voice came over the radio again.
“No. Actually, I was sitting here waiting for you.” I rolled my eyes.
“Yeah sure, asshole. The guy's a doctor looking for medicine and any items with healing properties. He mentioned miracle water, and tree sap for burns. You up for the job or what?”
“Sure. Was eyeing my list to see what I needed.” I flipped through the pages again and landed on video games.
Sure, they'll do.
“And?” He asked.
“Video games.”
“What kind?”
Not something I’d thought about. How many kinds were there? “I don't know. Any kind, I guess. Whatever’s popular?”
“Alright. I'll see what I can do. Make sure you're around tomorrow in case I need to reach you again.”
“I'll be here all day. Oh, and if he agrees, tell him I need at least two whole days to collect what he's asking for.” I hadn't gone anywhere since the last time I rode to base. It was a risky journey but everything I'd accumulated had been worth it. Sewing supplies, shoes I was still trying to walk in, posters of random things, fake plants, and matches, amongst other stuff; candles, magazines, Rubik's Cubes, and several globes. The list went on and on. It wasn't enough to fill the void for long. I always wanted more. I got more and something was still missing. I had an idea of what it could be but wouldn't know for sure until I got it.
I'll probably never know then.
Three
Franklin
“Ready?” Edgar stood on my porch, adjusting his sunglasses. It was a warm day with summer just around the corner. From what I’d heard it was even hotter where we were headed. I still wasn't sure if I was ready, but I had to at least pretend I was to avoid glares from my friend.
“Yup.” My bag hit my back as I tossed it over my shoulder.
Edgar smiled, stepping back onto the steps of my porch. “Cool. Let's hit the road then.”
I locked the door behind me and followed him to the car. My bag rested tightly inside my arms as I stared out the window, taking in all of our world before going days without seeing it again.
“You'll feel better once we're there. The portal leads right to the gates of the base.” Eyes on the road, he took a sharp turn, causing my stomach to clench up more.
